US B1 Visitor Visa – What Is It & How To Apply?

Planning on heading to the United States on business?

Well, then it sounds like you might need to apply for a US B1 Visitor Visa.

This is a fantastic visa that allows you to enter the US multiple times, and visit any state solely for business purposes.

In this detailed guide, you will learn everything about what is a US B1 visa, how to apply for one, and what you will need to secure your B1 visa, so keep reading!

First of all, what is the US B1 Visa?

This visa is a non-immigrant US visa that allows visitors to travel to the US for professional, or business activities and negotiations. It also enables you to attend conferences, events, and to testify in US courts of law.

This business visa is strictly only for business purposes.

A great benefit from the B1 visa is that it allows you to develop business relationships, and to visit the US numerous times as necessary for business.

You can start the process of obtaining your US B1 Business Visitor Visa online with us at Visa First.

What are the requirements for this visa?

The US B1 visa requirements include:

Being currently employed or a business owner
Not intending to work in the USA
Complying with the visa conditions

To apply for this visa, you must meet the B1 visa requirements such as:

having a valid passport
passport photos
an application form fully completed
a letter of invitation from a US company
and a letter from your employer providing details about your employment and your upcoming journey.
Also, you must have access to enough funds to cover your stay in the US.

How many times can I enter the USA with a US B1 Visa?

This visa allows you to enter the US many times. Once you enter, you can stay for a maximum of 180 days per entry.

The actual allowed period of stay is set by the border officer upon entry.

This should give you enough time to visit any place that you desire in the US.

How long does it take to obtain a US B1 visa?

The processing time for a US B1 visa varies, it could take a couple of weeks or months. This depends on the US Embassy and Immigration Office in your country of residence.

The price for this visa starts from only €300 with Visa First – so why not apply for your USA B1 Visitor Visa today!

What countries are eligible for the US B1 Visitor Visa?

If you are a citizen of a country that is included in the Visa Waiver Program, you do not have to apply for a B1 visa.

Instead, you can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Some nationals of Visa Waiver countries might not be eligible for an ESTA and would need a B1 visa.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

This program was created by the Department of Homeland Security. It includes 39 countries whose nationals are eligible to stay in the U.S for short-term business/tourist purposes for up to 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

However, you need to meet the following conditions:

You must be a national of an eligible country (see list below)
Hold a valid passport with an IC chip (e-Passport symbol)
Successfully apply for the ESTA and obtain one before entering the US.

List of eligible countries for the Visa Waiver Program

How to apply for a US B1 Visa?

In order to apply for this visa you must follow the following steps:

Complete Form DS-160
Pay B1 visa fees
Schedule for your visa interview
Prepare your B1 visa documents
Attend your interview

What is a DS-160 Form?

This is an electronic application form for the US nonimmigrant visa and must be completed by any applicant wishing to secure a visa for the US.

It asks for your personal information, passport and travel information, contact details, previous trips to the United States, education and work experience, and some family information.

You will also need to upload a digital photograph of your face.

Once you have submitted your DS-160 application form, the form is valid for 30 days from the day you completed it.

There is no fee payment for your DS-160 application form.

What is a DS 160 confirmation number?

You will receive this number once you have completed the form and submitted it. This number shows you have completed it.

What is the interview process for a US B1 Visitor Visa?

These interviews are for applicants between the ages of 14-79 who are required to appear in person for an interview with a consular officer.

Interviews are by appointment only.

If you arrive later, this may result in your interview being cancelled.

You must bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation with you.

The interview with a consular officer usually lasts a few minutes, where they will ask questions to determine your reason for visiting the US.

Usually, the consular officer will tell you if your application has been approved or not there, and then your visa will be issued.

Before the interview, the visa staff will data-enter and review your application.

You will also be required to give a set of your fingerprints which will be electronically scanned.

What documents do I need for my visa interview?

You must prepare the required documents before your visa interview listed below:

A valid passport to travel to the US – this must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the US
Your Form DS-160 confirmation number
Receipt of application payment fee
Photograph of yourself

*Additional documentation may be needed, such as details of your trip or bank statements.

What mistakes to avoid during the US B1 visa application?

To successfully qualify for a B1 visa, you must be prepared to prove to the US consular at your interview that your visit to the US is for temporary business purposes only and you will return home.

This means you must provide evidence such as proof of residence, letter of employment, and details of your stay in the US.

The more proof you can provide for your visit to the US, the better chance your USA B1 visa application will be approved!

Another common mistake individuals make is not having enough evidence to prove they can financially support themselves during their stay in the US.

You must be able to show the embassy you have enough funds to cover your expenses for the entire trip.

Showing bank statements for the last 6 months should be sufficient enough to satisfy the requirements.

Note: We recommend that you wait for your visa to be issued before buying your flight tickets.

US B1 Visitor Visa FAQs

Can a B1 visa holder work in the USA?

No. You are not permitted to work or accept employment in the US on a B1 visa.

What is the difference between a B1 Visa and B2 Visa?

The B1 business visitor visa is strictly for individuals to participate in business activities only, such as go to conferences, events, or conduct business deals.

The B2 visitor visa is for individuals who intend on visiting the US for tourism, visiting family members, and pleasure.

The maximum allowed period of stay for both visas is 180 days.

Who is not eligible to apply for a B1 visa?

The B1 Visitor visa is not appropriate for people who:

wish to Immigrate to the US and stay permanently
Seek long-term employment
plan to continue their studies in the USA
Arrive as a crewmember of an aircraft or ship

Will a US B1 Visa give me permanent residency status in the USA?

No. The B1 visa does not grant an individual permanent residency – it is temporary for a maximum stay of 180 days in the US.

Can I apply for a B1 visa extension?

If your visa expires, you can apply for another one.

You will need a new letter from your employer, confirming that your stay in the US is for essential business.

The US B1 visa has no cap therefore it has no rules as to how many visas can be issued each year.

Where to apply for a US B1 Visitor Visa?

You can easily apply for your US B1 Visa online at Visafirst.com.

Here at Visa First, we have 20 years of experience dealing with visa applications.

We strive to provide easy and convenient visa processing and immigration services, avoiding long queues at the local embassy or consulate.

Our team of global visa experts will guide you through the tricky visa application process.

We will ensure your forms and documents are completed correctly.

Visa First can also boost your chances of a successful B1 visa application outcome.

The company has been a visa expert since 2003 and has over 1 million clients worldwide. Also, we have gained a 99.7% approval success rate.

If you are interested in visiting the USA, Visa First can help you get there!

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